img(height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=2939831959404383&ev=PageView&noscript=1")

Measuring up

A brace of curious Teutonic names come with the new HQ for supplier of portable measuring technology Testo, on the banks of the Germany’s Titisee, designed by Sacker Architects with A Henne Ch Korn. Testo wanted the building to blend into its Black Forest surroundings with high thermal efficiency. The architect went to cladding firm Wicona to develop the L-shaped glazed units that overlap and widen at the top to create its distinctive, sculptural facade, combined with horizontal bands of smooth limestone. The system has both fixed glazing and concealed vents and was all constructed off-site to ensure quality and save time. External slatted blinds reduce solar gain, and where triple glazing has been installed, U-values are as low as 1.3W/m2K. 

Latest

Want to work on one of London’s largest estate regeneration projects, secure the future of a Cornish market town landmark or design new healthcare facilities across England? These are some of the latest architecture contracts and competitions from across the industry

Latest: Architect for Stratford’s Carpenters Estate, Phase 2

The trend for dark finishes - even down to tiny details - is reshaping hotel interiors with designers specifying the deepest greys and anthracites for ironmongery, fixtures and fittings

Designers are specifying architectural ironmongery, fixtures and fittings in deep, dark finishes for their hotel commissions

There’s a spiritual sort of philosophy about Studio Circle Growth’s house Casa de Mi Luna, which adopts local style, sustainable materials – and fun

Studio Circle Growth adopts local style, sustainable materials – and fun

The first ever net zero planning policy by a local authority shows long-term carbon savings and a focus on heat pumps, but issues with compliance, costs and air permeability targets

Bath & North East Somerset initiative shows strong CO2 savings despite cost and compliance problems

The proportion of staff time spent on billable hours is an important contributing factor to profitability

The proportion of staff time spent on billable hours is an important contributing factor to profitability